Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of Max Mata.
21-year-old New Zealander Mata joins from US club Real Monarchs ahead of the new SSE Airtricity League season subject to work permit and international clearance.
The striker has enjoyed previous spells in Europe with Switzerland's Grasshopper and Nomme Kalju of Estonia.
Having started at Wellington Phoenix in his native New Zealand, Mata's steller performances saw his stock rise earning him a spot on the All Whites squad for the FIFA Under 20 World Cup and a move to Grasshopper.
From there, he joined USL Championship side Real Monarchs scoring twice in 11 starts during the most recent season.
He recently made his senior international debut against Lithuania, a match that also featured fellow Rovers new signing and Kiwi Nando Pijnaker.
Speaking to sligorovers.com, Mata outlined his delight at joining the Bit O'Red: “I’m very happy to join Sligo Rovers. When the chance came up I didn’t have to think long about it. I want to play games and I want to score goals and Ireland was very appealing."
